ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced that migration from Tirah has begun during the snowfall in the valleys along the Afghanistan border, and it continues for several months. Meanwhile, families typically leave one or two members at home.
During a crucial news conference flanked by Information Minister Atta Tarar and Prime Minister’s Coordinator Ikhtiar Wali, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif discussed recent developments. He noted that this matter is referenced in the British Gazette, emphasising that it is all a normal process. He mentioned that a jirga, or council, was held on December 11, with participation from twelve to thirteen tribal elders who engaged in discussions with both the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the provincial government.
Khawaja Asif stated that following negotiations with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, a migration package was agreed upon, and the provincial government’s document was provided for reference. He clarified that the army’s deployment in the area is unrelated to these discussions, explaining that this arrangement was established between the jirga and the provincial government.
The Defence Minister further indicated that several years ago, the army initiated an operation in this region but later suspended it, considering the welfare of internally displaced persons (IDPs). He pointed out that there are no hospitals, schools, or police stations in the entire area, and it was agreed with the previous jirga that such facilities would be constructed.
Khawaja Asif mentioned that there is a significant absence of civilian law enforcement in the region, particularly given the harsh winter conditions. He highlighted that hemp is cultivated on 12,000 acres in the area, which generates substantial profit and is a source of conflict, as the proceeds from this crop often benefit political figures or the TTP.
The Defence Minister expressed that the government is actively working to improve the situation by constructing schools and police stations. He accused members of the provincial government of maintaining ties with the TTP for their personal interests. He affirmed that the civilian government and the jirga are collaborating to resolve these issues.
Khawaja Asif noted that the jirga has been in place for many years and that the army is not currently involved due to the provincial government’s notification and the jirga’s presence. He criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for attempting to shift blame for its failures onto the army or a nonexistent military operation. He emphasised that winter migration has been a historical occurrence in the area, a situation that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has tried to portray as unusual. He accused the provincial government of evading responsibility to mask its negligence and incompetence.
Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar mentioned that the British Gazette distinguishes the tribes of Tirah from others, and a book published in 1899 documents that the tribes of Tirah migrate every winter. Prime Minister’s Coordinator Ikhtiar Wali Khan raised concerns about the motives behind the current situation, claiming that funds from the four billion rupees allocated for the Tirah operation are being diverted to support street movements instead. He further stated that this project aimed to develop malls, and he criticised the treatment of the people of Tirah as pawns in a larger political scheme leading up to the protest scheduled for February 8.
Khawaja Asif reiterated that the provincial government’s notification is their own responsibility and could be revoked if desired. He stressed that the lack of facilities reflects the provincial government’s failure. He also pointed out that terrorism in Pakistan surged following the arrival of the Afghan Taliban and that five attempts to resolve the situation through dialogue have failed. He underscored the complex dynamics involving different factions in Kabul, Kandahar, and the internal divisions that contribute to the current instability.
